Landed a job interview? Congratulations but you still have quite a road ahead of you. To set yourself apart from other candidates, you must be prepared mentally and physically. Obviously you should dress well, brush your teeth, wear deodorant, etc. But it’s important to do your homework. Here are five tips before an interview:

1. Internet stalk the company

…aka do your research.

Google is a powerful tool, use it. Read business articles on the company, scour Linkedin at employee’s website, check out their social media sites and spend an hour looking over the company’s website itself. Make sure you read the company’s mission, understand it, internalize it and remember it. Score some extra points and mention tidbits of the company mission during your interview.

2. Read and re-read the job description.

Whether you applied for a ton of jobs or just to one, it’s important to understand the job description and your role with the company. If a job duty is unclear or vague, ask about it during the interview process. Make sure you know what this job entails and how you can execute those duties.

3. Grab a friend and practice interviewing.

Print out a copy of the job description and have a friend sit down with you and pretend to conduct an interview. Better yet, ask a friend who works in human resources or ask them to search for interview questions online. This well help get all of the jitters out of the way and get some practice under your belt.

Son, even I would not hire you with that answer.

4. Schedule your interview in the morning.

That way you can get it out of the way and you don’t’ have it lingering over your shoulder all day. Otherwise if you have it later in the afternoon, the anticipation will just build and it will make you more nervous.

5. Ask who will be interviewing you.

This is important when you’re internet stalking the company but also when you will be writing follow up emails or letters after the interview. Make sure you understand the interviewer’s role with the company.

What are your tips before going into an interview? Share them with us in the comments below. Good luck!